According to an announcement on May 13, 2025, Nio‘s ET9 steer-by-wire system has successfully obtained E-Mark certification from the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE). Applus IDIADA Group, a leading global third-party automotive technology service organisation from Spain, conducted the certification process. This represents the first time IDIADA has certified a vehicle equipped with steer-by-wire technology in Europe.

As the first vehicle in the Chinese market to feature steer-by-wire technology, the Nio ET9’s system reliability has now received dual validation from regulatory bodies in China and Europe, potentially accelerating the mass production of steer-by-wire systems across the automotive industry.

Nio Chairman William Li stated that the ET9’s achievement as the world’s only vehicle with steer-by-wire technology to receive dual certification from China and Europe demonstrates global recognition of Nio’s leading innovation.

The steer-by-wire system implemented in the ET9 is described as a “full power steering system” with no mechanical connection between the steering wheel and the turning wheels. Instead, control is transmitted through electrical signals, allowing the steering wheel’s angle and resistance torque to be freely designed. This results in lower delay, more precise control, higher transmission efficiency, and more flexible arrangement.

From a practical standpoint, the ET9’s steering wheel rotates 240° from the centre position to either side, meaning drivers need only 0.66 turns to achieve full steering. This eliminates the need to cross hands when making U-turns, enhancing comfort and control.

In automated parking scenarios, the steering wheel and turning wheels are completely decoupled. The steering wheel must rotate just 10° to indicate the vehicle’s travel direction without the need for rapid, large-angle rotations.

Safety remains paramount in the ET9’s design. The steer-by-wire system incorporates multiple redundant safety features, with the core steering drive employing a “six-phase motor” created by stacking two “three-phase motors.” The probability of steering failure is calculated at 4.5 FIT*, equivalent to experiencing steering system failure once every 25,368 years on average.

This technology represents one of the “new three major components” of intelligent vehicles—smart driving chips, full-domain operating systems, and intelligent chassis. Collectively, these components determine the upper limits of driving experience and safety in next-generation vehicles.